The web series, Ayyana Mane, starring Khushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak and Manasi Sudheer is written and directed by Ramesh Indira. “I play an innocent girl, Jaaji, who marries Dushyantha (played by Akshya Nayak) to become part of the sprawling Ayyana Mane household,” says Khushee.
“Jaaji values traditions, family values but is also curious and starts digging into the family’s past, which leads to many discoveries and the family’s dark secrets come tumbling out. Will she get embroiled in the darkness she discovers or not forms the crux of the story.”
Khushee, who has just returned to Bengaluru, post the completion of shooting is a known name in Kannada film and theatre circles. She also played the titular role in the 2020 Kannada film, Dia, and won accolades for portraying a brooding introvert. The film, released on digital platforms during the pandemic, was one of the most viewed films of the time.
Khushee made her feature film debut with the Kannada film The Great Story of Sodabuddi, in 2016 and went on to act in films such as Spooky College, Nakshe, and the Telugu film, Pindam.
Set in the 1990s, Ayyana Mane is shot in Chikamagalur and showcases local culture. Khushee describes Ayyana Mane as a mystery thriller with a touch of the paranormal. The six episode series is the first commissioned Kannada web series, Khushee says. “Here is hoping that there will be many more.”
Working with Ramesh Indira, whose name is synonymous with Kannada serials and cinema, Khushee says was a breeze. “I always wanted to work with him as I was familiar with his work. Even if you are unprepared but know your lines, he will make sure to bring out the best in you.”
It is great to work with a director who has absolute clarity about what they want from an actor, says Khushee. “Ramesh’s fame with Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, where he plays the antagonist,put him in the spotlight as an actor. I had seen his work as a director and a writer and now to see him on screen as an actor, was mind-boggling.”
Ramesh being adept in all these roles, makes him a director par excellence, Khushee says. “I was thrilled when he offered me the role in Ayyana Mane.”
Ramesh’s writing is strong, says Khushee. “Women always take the centre stage in his stories, be it his films, serials or a web series, like Ayyana Mane.”
Khushee, who still reels from the success of Dia, says, “I owe everything to the film and its director, KS Ashoka. To be identified with a character portrayed on screen even after five years, only shows how much people have connected with the story.”
However, Khushee says, “It is time to keep that aside and create some new stories and characters with which I again hope to create the same impact. Dia is and will always remain special to me.”
Khushee, who is working in other south Indian films, says every film industry is special. “Each has its own strengths and plus points. The added edge in the Telugu film industry is that they spoil you rotten on sets.”
Though today she is in the spotlight, Khushee is in no hurry to add numbers to her credit and looks for meaningful roles and powerful stories. This, she says, is because she comes from a theatre background.
“I trained under B Jayashree and worked with her in Spandana theatre group. Theatre changes you from inside and out. In the end, all that matters is stories, characters and their powerful portrayals on screen. I knew in my heart that I would not thrive in a nine-to-five job. I knew that acting is something I always wanted to pursue.”
In cinema, she looks forward to the release of the Kannada film Full Meals and Son of Muthanna.
Ayyana Mane is currently streaming on Zee5
Published – May 06, 2025 11:48 am IST
